01 July, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
A state security delegation on Monday moved swiftly to restore calm in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, following a violent protest sparked by a drug enforcement operation.
The early morning unrest saw an attack on the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with three vehicles and several motorcycles set ablaze. Protesters also released detained suspects and carted away seized hard drugs. An attempt to torch the Emir’s Palace was also foiled by security operatives.
The incident followed recent clampdowns on suspected drug dealers, which reportedly triggered outrage among some residents. The state government responded by dispatching a high-level delegation to the area, comprising the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi; Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu.
They were received by key local leaders, including the Chairman of Edu LGA, Abdullahi Bello; Edu Development Officer, Alhaji Haruna Likpata; Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa Usman; and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Bello Taoheed Abubakar.
Addressing journalists after the visit, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu explained the root of the violence.
“The protest in the morning was linked to the arrest of some suspected drug dealers. Unfortunately, some individuals exploited the situation to attack the NDLEA office and attempted to breach the Emir’s Palace, accusing him of not intervening in the drug arrests,” he said.
He described the act as criminal and warned against such behaviour.
“This is sheer criminality, and we condemn it totally. The soldiers and other security forces have restored calm in Lafiagi. We visited the Emir’s Palace and addressed the residents on the need to embrace peace and lawfulness,” Aliu added.
He thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his swift response and confirmed that the situation is under control with further deployments from the police and army already in place.
“No life was lost in the incident,” he noted. “We urge everyone to avoid taking the law into their hands and to work with security agencies to keep our communities safe.”
